#civic rights

[glitterygalaxyballoon]

from VIETNAM: LOTUS IN A SEA OF FIRE: IN SEARCH OF THE ENEMY OF MAN

From a letter by Thich Nhat Hanh addressed to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., June 1, 1965

The self-burning of Vietnamese Buddhist monks in 1963 is somehow difficult for Western Christian conscience to understand. The press spoke then of suicide, but in the essence, it is not. It is not even a protest. What the monks said in the letters they left before burning themselves aimed only at alarming, at moving the hearts of the oppressors, and at calling the attention of the world to the suffering endured then by the Vietnamese. To burn oneself by fire is to prove that what one is saying is of the utmost importance. There is nothing more painful than burning oneself. To say something while experiencing this kind of pain is to say it with utmost courage, frankness, determination, and sincerity. During the ceremony of ordination, as practiced in the Mahayana tradition, the monk-candidate is required to burn one or more small spots on his body in taking the vow to observe the 250 rules of a bhikshu, to live the life of a monk, to attain enlightenment, and to devote his life to the salvation of all beings. One can, of course, say these things while sitting in a comfortable armchair; but when the words are uttered while kneeling before the community of sangha and experiencing this kind of pain, they will express all the seriousness of one’s heart and mind, and carry much greater weight.

The Vietnamese monk, by burning himself, says with all his strength and determination that he can endure the greatest of sufferings to protect his people. But why does he have to burn himself to death? The difference between burning oneself and burning oneself to death is only a difference in degree, not in nature. A man who burns himself too much must die. The importance is not to take one’s life, but to burn. What he really aims at is the expression of his will and determination, not death. In the Buddhist belief, life is not confined to a period of 60 or 80 or 100 years: life is eternal. Life is not confined to this body: life is universal. To express will by burning oneself, therefore, is not to commit an act of destruction but perform an act of construction, that is, to suffer and to die for the sake of one’s people. This is not suicide. Suicide is an act of self-destruction, having as causes the following: (1) lack of courage to live and to cope with difficulties; (2) defeat by life and loss of all hope; (3) desire for nonexistence (abhaya).

This self-destruction is considered by Buddhism as one of the most serious crimes. The monk who burns himself has lost neither courage nor hope; nor does he desire nonexistence. On the contrary, he is very courageous and hopeful and aspires for something good in the future. He does not think that he is destroying himself: he believes in the good fruition of his act of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. Like the Buddha in one of his former lives—as told in a story of Jataka—who gave himself to a hungry lioness which was about to devour her own cubs, the monk believes he is practicing the doctrine of highest compassion by sacrificing himself in order to call the attention of, and to seek help from, the people of the world.

I believe with all my heart that the monks who burned themselves did not aim at the death of the oppressors but only at a change in their policy. Their enemies are not man. They are intolerance, fanaticism, dictatorship, cupidity, hatred, and discrimination which lie within the heart of man. I also believe with all of my being that the struggle for equality and freedom you lead in Birmingham, Alabama, is not really aimed at the whites but only at intolerance, hatred, and discrimination. These are real enemies of man—not man himself. In our unfortunate fatherland we are trying to plead desperately: do not kill man, even in man’s name. Please kill the real enemies of man which are present everywhere, in our very hearts and minds.

Now in the confrontation of the big powers occurring in our country, hundreds and perhaps thousands of Vietnamese peasants and children lose their lives every day, and our land is unmercifully and tragically torn by a war which is already twenty years old. I am sure that since you have been engaged in one of the hardest struggles for equality and human rights, you are among those who understand fully, and who share with all their heart, the indescribable suffering of the Vietnamese people. The world’s greatest humanists would not remain silent. You yourself cannot remain silent. America is said to have a strong religious foundation and spiritual leaders would not allow American political and economic doctrines to be deprived of the spiritual element. You cannot be silent since you have already been in action and you are in action because, in you, God is in action, too—to use Karl Barth’s expression. And Albert Schweitzer, with his stress on the reverence for life. And Paul Tillich with his courage to be, and thus, to love. And Niebuhr. And Mackay. And Fletcher. And Donald Harrington. All these religious humanists and many more, are not going to favor the existence of a shame such as the one mankind has to endure in Vietnam. Recently a young Buddhist monk named Thich Giac Thanh burned himself [April 20, 1965, in Saigon] to call the attention of the world to the suffering endured by the Vietnamese, the suffering caused by this unnecessary war—and you know that war is never necessary. Another young Buddhist, a nun named Hue Thien, was about to sacrifice herself in the same way and with the same intent, but her will was not fulfilled because she did not have the time to strike a match before people saw and interfered. Nobody here wants the war. What is the war for, then? And whose is the war?

Yesterday in a class meeting, a student of mine prayed: “Lord Buddha, help us to be alert to realize that we are not victims of each other. We are victims of our own ignorance and the ignorance of others. Help us to avoid engaging ourselves more in mutual slaughter because of the will of others to power and to predominance.” In writing to you, I profess my faith in Love, in Communion, and in the World’s Humanists, whose thoughts and attitude should be the guide for all humankind in finding who is the real enemy of Man.

#aaron bushnell #peace #love #buddhism #nonviolence #protest #civic rights #basic rights #dr. martin luther king jr. #thich nhat hanh

[indizombie]

Resistance movements that spring up against the unjust, illegal, forcible acquisition of jal (water), jangal (forest), jamin (land) have always found an echo among the people at large, reflected in the formation of umbrella-organisations against displacement, violation of their right to food, denial of civic rights, exploitation of women and children, trafficking of young women, and unjust measures like land bank, which take away community rights over ‘commons’. The resistance of affected people, thus, receives solidarity and support from human rights groups, several Adivasi-organisations, leftist/socialist forces, some Jharkhandi Adivasi parties, concerned intellectuals and some legal professionals.

Stan Swamy, 'I am not a Silent Spectator'

#I am not a Silent Spectator #Stan Swamy #Resistance movements #displacement #India #right to food #civic rights #exploitation of women and children #human trafficking #human rights groups #Adivasis #Jharkhand

[vakilkarosblog]

Civic engagement lies at the heart of any thriving democracy. It empowers citizens to participate in the political process, shaping the policies and decisions that impact their lives. One fundamental aspect of this engagement is the formal registration of political parties. In this article, we will delve into the significance of political party registration and how it serves as a pivotal step towards an active and informed electorate. Read More

#civic engagement #civic engagement awards #types of civic engagements #civic engagement (profession) #civic engagement (organization sector) #youth engagement #register to vote #how to register to vote #civic learning #civics #civic participation #civic rights #civic groups #civics (field of study) #how to vote #vote early #socially engaged art #united states of america (country) #volunteering #illinois state university #art activism #change agent #volunteerism

[dayofdemocracy]

Focusing on the role of youth in advancing democracy and promoting civic space.

This year, International Democracy Day will focus on the role of youth in advancing democracy and promoting civic space. An engaged, well-educated electorate is at the heart of strong democratic societies. Creating an environment in which young people understand feel their voice counts is crucial.

Young people must navigate a world in which democracies are under threat from factors ranging from the proliferation of online mis- and disinformation, to rising populism, and the destabilizing effects of the climate crisis. It is important everyone is able to meaningfully participate in the decisions that affect their lives now, and in years to come.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the 2023 International Day of Democracy underlines the essential role of children and young people in safeguarding democracy, today and in the future.

2023 event

This year, International Democracy Day is being marked by a live event at the SDG Pavilion, an art installation and convening space situated on the North Lawn at UN Headquarters in New York.

The event, organized by the UN Democracy Fund within the UN Office for Partnerships, brings together civil society representatives, UN officials, and climate activists, to highlights the role of youth in advancing civic space and recognizes their leadership in moving climate action forward.

You can watch the event live and on demand [HERE]

Climate justice and democracy

The effects of the climate crisis on the physical environment are today impossible to ignore, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is a challenge to democracy: growing food insecurity, migration, water scarcity, and extreme weather events are driving conflict and weighing on the minds of voters.

Young people around the world have shown that they are extremely concerned about the climate crisis; in recent years hundreds of thousands of school age children, frustrated by the pace of negotiations to cut fossil fuel emissions, have taken part in large-scale marches, strikes, and protests.

Calls for climate justice have also been a feature of these demonstrations: young people realize that they are likely to suffer the consequences of an increasingly unstable climate, caused by the activities of earlier generations.  The World Bank has estimated that, by the time many of the teenage climate activists of today are in their late 20s, climate change could force an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty, and, according to the International Food Policy Research institute, lead to an extra 20 per cent of malnourished children by 2050.

The United Nations recognizes the importance of empowering young people to take leadership roles on issues of international importance; the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth convenes the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals, a group of 17 changemakers whose leadership is catalyzing the  achievement of the SDGs, and the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change ensures that the Secretary-General hears directly from young climate activists, who can share strategies for advancing climate action.

The UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) finances projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes, including youth.

Recent partnerships from UNDEF on the intersection of democratic governance and climate justice include strengthening civil society voice on environmental rights in Iraq with the civil society organization Al-Masalla, and youth movements for inclusion in local development policy in Colombia with Movilizatorio.

The SDG Pavilion is a unique convening space and art installation created by artist Es Devlin, in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships and Project Everyone, a not-for-profit communications agency co-founded by SDG Advocate the screenwriter Richard Curtis.

#the next generation #Democracy for Climate Justice #United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDF) #international day of democracy #15 september #young people #climate activist #civic engagement #civic space #civic rights

[womenindiplomacyday]

Why women matter in diplomacy?

Women have been playing a crucial role in global governance since the drafting and signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Women bring immense benefits to diplomacy. Their leadership styles, expertise and priorities broaden the scope of issues under consideration and the quality of outcomes.

Research shows that when women serve in cabinets and parliaments, they pass laws and policies that are better for ordinary people, the environment and social cohesion. Advancing measures to increase women’s participation in peace and political processes is vital to achieving women’s de facto equality in the context of entrenched discrimination.

Out of the 193 Member States of the United Nations, only 34 women serve as elected Heads of State or Government. Whilst progress has been made in many countries, the global proportion of women in other levels of political office worldwide still has far to go: 21% of the world’s ministers, 26% of national parliamentarians, and 34% of elected seats of local government. According to a new UN report, at the current pace of progress, equal representation in parliament will not be achieved until 2062.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the world’s largest yearly meeting of world leaders. While the UNGA has been the setting for several historic moments for gender equality, much has yet to be achieved regarding women’s representation and participation. Just four women have been elected President of the UN General Assembly in its 77 years.

The 15-member UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. While women currently represent slightly over a third of the Security Council's members — far higher than the average — it is still far from enough. Explore the participation of women at the Security Council.

International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

#Civic rights #Political Rights #Economic rights #Cultural rights #Social rights #Declaration #women in diplomacy

[jovialbasementbouquetblr]

2023: Xu Zhiyong From Prison Calls for National June 4th Fast

A translation of the June 1, 2023 Radio Free Asia report “On the eve of June 4, Xu Zhiyong appealed for a fast to mourn the June 4 Incident” 六四前夕许志永狱中呼吁　以禁食悼念”六四” On the eve of June 4, Xu Zhiyong from prison calls for a fast to commemorate June 4th June 1, 2023 Xu Zhiyong’s Appeal For the June 4 Day of Fasting [This is a message I just received from Dr. Xu Zhiyong, thanking his supporters and…

View On WordPress

#anniversary #China #Chinese #civic rights #civil rights #Communist Party #許志永 #fast #fasting #human rights #June 4th #law #politics #PRC #prison #rights #Teng Biao #Xu Zhiyong #公民權 #六四 #共产党 #中国 #滕彪

[astronomodome]

I hope we all draw impulse maids if/when he joins tumblr for realsies because it’s the perfect introduction. If he can’t deal with that he can’t deal with tumblr but if he’s chill with it we can coexist

#I’m fully /srs about this #impmaids are not only a right they are a civic duty #hermitcraft #impulsesv #astro asks #hermitblr

[writing-with-olive]

hey all

so in a more practical application of the "larp a republican if you're gonna call them" post that got huge, North Carolina is about to have abortion access slashed if nothing's done about it.

SB20 got passed and went up to Gov. Cooper who vetoed it, but there's very very slight veto-proof supermajority in the legislature. Unless at least one Republican breaks ranks the veto will be overridden.

I made a google doc to organize, and you don't have to be a North Carolinian to participate:

Even if you can't participate, please share. A lot of people might lose yet more of their rights very soon.

#civic engagement #call your reps #north carolina #abortion #united states #politics #senate bill 20 #nc sb20 #abortion rights #reproductive rights #republican party #state government #anti facist #small government #call scripts #phone zap #veto #veto override #bodily autonomy #community project

[reasonandempathy]

If you can quote and follow, line and verse, every time the Christian Bible references gay people (3 times) but can't adhere to the messages of:

Accepting immigrants among you and giving them rights and justice (22 times)

Respecting workers and treating them fairly (50+ times)

Forgive debts if the person can't pay it back without self-injury and don't charge interest (11)

You're not supposed to hoard wealth (I would be here all day if I counted, honestly)

Enact personal sacrifice to help the poor (same)

You are not to condemn one another (21+)

It's not about the Bible. When you spew vile, wicked bigotry and befoulment I can't recognize what you say in there. I can't find its teachings in you.

#christianity #homophobia #lgbtq #civics #worker rights #original content #policites #religion #poverty #love of money #mammon #jesus christ

[littlestpersimmon]

Aslevjal

#rote #right after civics homophonic rant and Fitz beats the shit out of him #Fitz and the fool #Robin Hobb #tawny man

[leslie057]

#no he does not

#hes so STRESSY #genuinely im in a phase with season three right now #like its funnier than it used to be #this part needed giffing and i couldnt find gifs #so doing my civic duty here #jonathan byers #3x04 #3x03 #jonathanbyersedit #officer callahan #stranger things #stranger things 3 #humor #tvstrangerthings #strangerthingsedit #stranger things season 3 #charlie heaton #st3 #*edit #gifset #gif #tw: flashing #tw: flashing lights #tw: epilepsy

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Vivek Ramaswamy wants to end birthright citizenship—a longstanding American policy codified in the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution—and take away young people’s right to vote, all in one fell swoop.

The presidential candidate made the call Thursday night on CNN, after being asked about his opponents, Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, vowing to end birthright citizenship. “For a period of time, I think it’s going to be necessary,” Ramaswamy said.

But the young gun was not satisfied just being in agreement with the leading duo in the Republican race-to-the-repressive-bottom.

“I’ll actually go one step further on this, Abby, is that I don’t think someone just because they’re born in this country, even if they’re a sixth generation American should automatically enjoy all the privileges of citizenship until they’ve actually earned it,” Ramaswamy told CNN’s Abby Phillip. “So one of the things I’ve said is that every high school student who graduates from high school should have to pass the same civics test that every immigrant has to pass in order to become a citizen of this country.”

Surveys in the past have shown that most people would likely fail a basic multiple choice citizenship test; one survey found just 36% of respondents actually passing such a test. And given Republicans’ all-out assault on public school education, it’s unclear what their plan would be to up those numbers.

After publishing, Ramaswamy senior adviser Tricia McLaughlin said the proposal refers “to civic duty voting via constitutional amendment.”

According to Ramaswamy’s website, this would mean raising the voting age to 25, while still generously “allowing all Americans to vote at age 18” only if they serve at least six months in the military or as a first responder, or pass the citizenship test.

Yet another successful pair of Republican talking points: seizing the right to vote from young people, and forcing people to join a military that has used trillions of American dollars to wreak carnage across the world, and leave its foot soldiers out to dry upon their return.

Anyhow, Ramaswamy’s brilliant proposal to seemingly strip citizenship from so many Americans came after Phillip noted that both of Ramaswamy’s parents are immigrants, and so birthright citizenship “was in play” for him when he became a citizen.

Yet, instead of making the citizenship process easier to navigate, Ramaswamy instead wants to make it harder for anyone to be a citizen. More than that, the presidential candidate’s formulation lays out tiers of citizenship—a matrix in which, until one passes this test, they would be a second-class citizen. While this country already treats scores of people—immigrants, LGBTQ people, laborers, the homeless, and young people—as such, Ramaswamy thinks that unfair treatment should be legally bound.

#us politics #news #the new republic #republicans #conservatives #2023 #2024 presidential race #2024 presidential election #2024 elections #vivek ramaswamy #right to vote #voting age #raising the voting age #Citizenship #Birthright Citizenship #civics test #Citizenship test #tiers of citizenship #second class citizens

[mickeywabbit]

yokai supremacy (Φ_Φ)

#i felt it was my civic duty to censor the tanuki statues #they’re v…. interesting #the yokai designs r v cute i give them a big wet kiss #maybe the devs deserve rights SOMETIMES squints #also as an avid acnh GAMER ALPHA insert mandatory tom nook joke here. as a treat #my art #obm #obm fanart #omswd #obey me #obey me beelzebub #obm beel

[usnatarchives]

Shogan Announces Plans for Permanent Emancipation Proclamation Display 📜

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan was honored to announce that the National Archives intends to place the Emancipation Proclamation on permanent display inside the Rotunda, joining our nation's foundational documents alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Dr. Shogan made the special announcement on Saturday just before General Orders No. 3 and the Emancipation Proclamation went on public display through June 19.

The National Archives will begin an assessment to determine the best display environment, considering the condition and importance of the original document.

The current plan for display calls for showing one side of the Emancipation Proclamation, a double-sided five-page document, alongside facsimiles of the reverse pages. The original pages on display will be rotated on a regular basis to limit light exposure.

Watch the full announcement on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/CtmMzyjAUmR/?hl=en

Learn about the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3: https://museum.archives.gov/featured-document-display-emancipation-proclamation-and-juneteenth

#Emancipation Proclamation #Juneteenth #Civil Rights #National Archives #History #Museums #Civic Season

[womenindiplomacyday]

Who are the Women who shaped the universal declaration?

Drafted as "a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations," the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) for the first time in human history spells out basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all human beings — men and women alike — should enjoy. The Declaration is a milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world. Women were key contributors who played essential parts in shaping the document.

#Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) #Civic rights #Political Rights #Economic rights #Cultural rights #Social rights #Declaration #women in diplomacy

[tickles-my-cockles]

The United Kingdom just been downgraded on the global index of civic freedoms due to it's "Hostile" and "Increasingly authoritarian" actions.

I live in the UK. And I found this out by factchecking a green peace ad. As of now this story was posted 16 hours ago and I've not heard one person talk about this.

Our government is officially recognised as repressing civic freedoms and undermining human rights. If you're still proud to be brittish then fuck you tory scum.

#uk politics #uk police #uk civic freedoms #civic freedoms #human rights #uk news #civicus monitor #fuck this country #i fucking hate it here #fuck you #fuck the uk #fuck the tories #fuck the system #i just want to be left alone